Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Lone swan in freezing pond...
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 6 January 2014
In Response To: Re: Lone swan in freezing pond... (Chris)

Hi Chris:

You might try a local pet store like PetCo or PetSmart. There are many urbanites who now have chickens in their yards for egg laying and these stores may carry the pellets. Bass Pro Shop and some of the above stores carry deer corn which just needs to be cracked (a hammer will do the trick). The swans can eat the whole deer corn, but they don't really like it. Also, make sure that the pellets and corn are not mixed with other ingredients such as seeds, etc.

On another note, feed the swans at least 1-2 hours prior to sundown or 1-2 hours after sunrise. Predators begin feeding at sundown and end feeding at sunrise or shortly thereafter. The swan's feeding may attract the predators to a certain feeding schedule and they may attack the birds. Therefore, not only do the swans need to be fed during daylight hours, but the schedule needs to be slightly rotated so that predators do not get locked onto feeding times. Leaving food overnight may also attract predators to the area. Food should be placed in the water so that if the swans, ducks and geese do not finish the food, fish and other aquatic creatures may finish the food. Also, swans need water to eat to prevent choking. We hope this information is of benefit. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

Lone swan in freezing pond... -- Chris -- 5 January 2014
Re: Lone swan in freezing pond... -- The Regal Swan -- 5 January 2014
Re: Lone swan in freezing pond... -- Chris -- 5 January 2014
Re: Lone swan in freezing pond... -- The Regal Swan -- 5 January 2014
Re: Lone swan in freezing pond... -- Chris -- 5 January 2014
Re: Lone swan in freezing pond... -- The Regal Swan -- 6 January 2014